Hart Ward March 2026 Crime and ASB Update

Hart Ward March 2026 Crime and ASB Update

March 2026

Over the past month, crime and ASB levels in the Hart Ward have remained generally manageable, with no major emerging trends. We have continued to respond to concerns around off‑road bikes, youth‑related nuisance, and shop thefts, alongside regular patrols and engagement with residents.

Crime Overview

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When looking at crime in the Hart Ward, the overall picture is positive. In March 2026 there were 40 recorded crimes, which is down from 58 in March 2025, representing a reduction of 18 incidents year‑on‑year.

Comparing March to February, crime has increased from 22 incidents to 40.

Looking at specific crime types, there were two burglaries in March, compared to five in February, showing a month‑on‑month reduction, and slightly fewer than March last year. There is no trend suggesting an increase in residential burglary.

Criminal damage remains consistent, with two incidents recorded in March, the same as March last year and slightly up from the ideal of zero in February. This suggests isolated incidents rather than any ongoing pattern.

Theft offences show the most encouraging trend overall. There were 18 thefts in March, which is down significantly from 38 in March last year, and broadly in line with recent months. This confirms a longer‑term downward trend, particularly compared to last summer.

Violence against the person recorded 12 incidents in March, compared to six in February and 11 in March last year. While this is an increase month‑on‑month, it remains consistent year‑on‑year and does not indicate any sustained upward trend. These incidents continue to be spread across the ward with no particular hotspots.

Overall, while March saw more crime than February, the wider trend remains stable and positive, especially when compared to last year, with reductions in key volume crime types and no significant areas of concern.

ASB Overview

Anti‑social behaviour presents a slightly different picture. In March 2026 there were 19 ASB incidents, compared to 10 incidents in March 2025, meaning ASB is up year‑on‑year. When comparing month‑on‑month, ASB has increased from 12 incidents in February.

This directly reflects the off‑road bike activity and youth‑related issues that will be ouched upon below and is to be addressed through patrols, engagement, and enforcement activity.

Looking at the longer‑term trend, ASB levels fluctuate month‑to‑month but do not show a sustained upward trajectory. Instead, they appear to be seasonal and location‑specific, with known areas such as Hartfields Park and surrounding green spaces generating the majority of calls.

Recent Activity

Recent police activity guided by current Hart ward priorities and calls for service from the public.

Off‑Road Bikes

Multiple calls received over the past fortnight about off‑road and nuisance bikes.

Mobile and foot patrols carried out and the police drone has been used strategically to monitor and locate bikes.

Located an address storing two suspect bikes; although the bikes were removed before officers could seize them, reports have since reduced.

Identified a route running from Hartfields → Clavering Park → Coast Road used by riders.

Mapping numerous “pinch points” where future anti‑bike barriers could help.

Address Causing ASB

A Housing Association property suspected of being linked to ASB and Off Road Bikes has been issued with a formal warning notice by housing authority and a joint Police / housing association visit is planned for early April and to deter further issues.

Youth ASB

Engaged with residents about issues, this months reports suggest behaviour has improved recently, though this may rise with warmer weather.

We will maintain a presence and continue speaking with young people and residents.

Shop Theft

Shop theft remains much lower than last summer.

Incidents have not stopped entirely but are being managed with staff and targeted reassurance patrols.

Rural Patrols

Regular patrols around rural areas.

Drone used to check for poaching, suspicious vehicles, and activity around wind/solar farms, which are often targeted for metal theft nationally.

Ward Priorities

Off Road Bikes

Rural Crime

ASB

As always please report incidents via 101 or 999 in an emergency or via the Cleveland Police website:

https://www.cleveland.police.uk/

Cleveland Connected is one of the ways that officers can put out updates to members of the public. It is a local resource and most of the messages sent are geographically targeted so that you only receive messages relevant to you.

Members are able to respond directly to messages and receive replies from officers. You can sign up at: clevelandconnected.co.uk or by scanning the QR code above.

Get in touch with your local PCSO:

Mark Say

PCSO 7985

Hart Ward - Hartlepool NPT / Drone Unit

Hartlepool Police Station | Avenue Road | Hartlepool | TS24 8AJ

Mobile: 07970 076 323

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Mark Say
(Cleveland Police, PCSO, Hart Ward, Hartlepool)